Providence freshman guard Kris Dunn, a top-20 recruit, now knows when he’ll make his college debut.

The McDonald’s All-American hasn’t been able to suit up for the Friars because of offseason shoulder surgery but has been cleared to play in Providence’s Dec. 18 home game against Colgate.

"Definitely, he's going to play against Colgate," Dunn's father, John Seldon, told the New London Day. "(The doctor) said Kris is strong. He healed quickly. He said just wait one more game."

It has been a slow but steady recovery from surgery July 3 to repair a torn labrum and a fracture in a bone, an injury he sustained while training with the United States’ Under 18 team in Colorado.

Dunn, a 6-3 native of New London, Conn., should have an immediate impact and be able to play either guard position. He is tall and long with a fearless attitude. He’s willing to drive the rim amongst big opponents, and he is adept at shooting off screens, too.

The Friars certainly can use him. With only six scholarship players in uniform Thursday, the Friars handled in-state rival Rhode Island, 72-57, to move to 7-2 on the season.

Providence now is in the midst of a 12-day break before its next game, so coach Ed Cooley has time to work Dunn into the offense.

And Arizona transfer Sidiki Johnson is expected to make his Providence debut against Colgate, too. He becomes eligible at the end of the semester. Johnson, a 6-8 forward, and Dunn will have to get up to speed quickly. The Friars have only three games before opening Big East play at No. 5 Louisville on Jan. 2.